Assignments in Science Class X (Term II)
(Term
10 Light — Reflection and Refraction
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. Reflection of light is the phenomenon due to
which a parallel beam of light travelling
through a certain medium on striking some
surface, bounces off from it in some other
direction.
2. Laws of reflection :
(i) The incident ray, the reflected ray and
the normal lie in the same plane at the
point of incidence.
(ii) The angle of incidence is always equal
to the angle of reflection.
3. Real image : When the rays of light,
diverging from a point, after reflection or
refraction, actually converge at some other
point, then the image so formed at that point
is called the real image of the object.
S 15. Sign conventions for spherical mirrors :
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4. Virtual image : When the rays of light,
diverging from a point, after reflection or
refraction, appear to diverge from another
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point, then the image so formed at that point
is called its virtual image.
O positive.
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5. Plane mirror is used (i) as looking glass (ii)
for providing false dimensions in show-cases
B
(iii) in the construction of reflecting
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periscope (iv) in solar cookers (v) and for
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signalling purposes.
6. Concave mirror : A mirror which is
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polished from the outer side of a hollow
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sphere, such that the reflecting side is towards
its hollow side, is called a concave mirror.
7. Convex mirror : A mirror which is polished
on the hollow side of the sphere, such that
the reflecting surface is towards its bulging
side, is called a convex mirror.
8. Pole : The mid-point of a spherical mirror is
called pole.
9. Centre of curvature is the centre of the
sphere of which the spherical mirror is a part.
10. Principal axis is an imaginary line passing
through the pole and centre of curvature of a
spherical mirror.
1
11. Linear aperture is the length of effective
surface, from which reflection takes place.
12. Principal focus of a spherical mirror is the
point on the principal axis where the rays
travelling parallel to the principal axis either
actually meet or appear to meet. In case of
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concave mirror the rays actually meet,
A
whereas in case of convex mirror, they
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appear to meet.
13. Focal length is the linear distance between
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the pole and principal focus of a spherical
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mirror.
A
14. Radius of curvature is the linear distance
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between the pole and the centre of curvature
of a spherical mirror.
(i) All distances are measured from the pole
of the spherical mirror.
(ii) The distances measured in the same
direction as incident light are taken as
(iii) The distances measured in opposite the
direction of incident light, are taken as
negative.
(iv) Distances measured upward and
perpendicular to the principal axis, are
taken as positive.
(v) Distances measured downward and
perpendicular to the principal axis, are
taken as negative.
1 1 1
16. v + u = f is the mirror formula where ‘u’ is
the distance of object from the pole, ‘v’ is the
distance of image from the pole and ‘f’ is the
focal length of the spherical mirror.
h v
17. Linear magnification : m = i = − , where
ho u
hi is the height of image and ho is the height
of object.
18. Uses of convex mirror : It is used as :
(i) rear-view mirror (ii) reflector of street lights.
19. Uses of concave mirror : It is used as :
(i) reflector in automobile lights (ii) as a
shaving mirror (iii) by dentists for seeing the
back of tooth (iv) reflector of solar furnaces.
20. Refraction is the phenomenon due to which
a ray of light deviates from its original path,
while travelling from one optical medium to
another optical medium.
21. Laws of refraction :
(i) The ratio between sine of angle of
incidence and sine of angle of refraction
for two given media, is a constant
quantity. This law is also known as
Snell’s law of refraction.
(ii) The incident ray, the refracted ray and
the normal at the point of incidence, lie
in the same plane.
22. Refractive index : The ratio between the
sine of angle of incidence (in air) and the
sine of angle of refraction (in denser
medium) is called refractive index (μ).
sin i
(μ) =
sin r S +ve for convex lens and –ve for concave
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Velocity of light in air or vacuum
= Velocity of light in a given medium
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23. Lateral displacement is perpendicular shift
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in the path of the incident ray, while
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emerging out from an optical slab. It is (a)
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directly proportional to : (i) thickness of the
optical slab, (ii) refractive index of the
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optical material (medium), (iii) angle of
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incidence, and (b) inversely proportional to
wavelength of light.
24. O
When a ray of light emerges out from a
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rectangular optical slab, then : (i) incident
ray is parallel to emergent ray (ii) angle of
incidence is equal to angle of emergence.
25. Lens is defined as a portion of a transparent,
optical material, having one or two spherical
surfaces.
26. Convex lens or converging lens is a piece
of transparent, optical material, having one
or two spherical surfaces, such that it is
thicker in the middle and tapering at the
edges.
27. Concave lens or diverging lens is a piece of
transparent, optical material, having one or
2
two spherical surfaces, such that it is
tapering in the middle and thicker at the
edges.
28. Principal axis of a lens is an imaginary line
joining the centres of curvature of two
spherical surfaces.
29. Optical centre of a lens is the point within
the lens, where a line drawn through the
aperture, meets the principal axis.
30. Principal focus of a lens is a point on the
principal axis of the lens such that a beam of
light parallel to the principal axis after
refraction either actually meet or appear to
meet.
N
31.
A
Focal length of a lens is the linear distance
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between the optical centre and principal
focus.
32.
A
Focal plane : A vertical plane passing
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through the principal focus of the lens is
called a focal plane.
33. A
Power of lens is the reciprocal of focal
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length in metres.
34. Unit of power of lens is dioptre (D). It is
lens.
35. Sign conventions for lenses :
(i) All distances are measured from the
optical centre of the lens.
(ii) Distances measured from the optical
centre in the direction of the incident
light are taken as positive.
(iii) Distances measured from the optical
centre in opposite the direction of the
incident light are taken as negative.
(iv) The distances measured upward and
perpendicular to the principal axis are
taken as positive.
(v) The distance measured downward and
perpendicular to the principal axis are
taken as negative.
1 1 1
36. − = is the lens formula where ‘v’ is
v u f
the distance of image from the optical centre,
‘u’ is the distance of object from the optical
centre and ‘f’ is the focal length of the lens.
h v
37. Linear magnification m = i = , where ho
ho u
is the height of the object and hi is the height
of the image.
I. VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
A. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1. What do you understand by the term principal
focus in case of a convex mirror?
2. What do you understand by the term ‘refractive
index’?
3. What do you understand by the term ‘lateral
displacement’?
4. What do you understand by the term lens?
5. State and define the unit of the power of a lens.
(1 Mark)
is formed on the other side of the lens. Where
is the object placed?
15. Printed letters appear diminished when viewed
through a lens. What is the nature of the lens?
16. A thin spherical lens has a focal length – 20 cm.
What is the nature of the lens?
17. A thin spherical lens has a radius of curvature
N
50 cm. What is its focal length?

6. What do you understand by the term power of

18.
A
P1 and P2 are the powers of two thin lenses.

SH
What is the power P when both lenses are placed
a lens? in contact with one another?
7. When is the power of the lens (i) positive (ii)
negative?
19.
A
At what angle a ray of light should strike the
surface of glass, so that it does not suffer any
8. Why is a convex lens is called a converging lens? K
refraction?
20. A
Will the lateral displacement increase/decrease,

PR
9. Why is a concave mirror called a converging
mirror? if a glass block is made thicker?
10. Define optical centre of a lens. 21. Where is the image formed in a concave mirror,
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11. Define principal focus of a convex lens.
when the object is between infinity and centre

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of curvature?
12. A virtual, erect and enlarged image is formed 22. Where is the image formed in a convex mirror,

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by a lens. Is the lens convex or concave? when the object is anywhere in front of it?
13. Where will you place an electric lamp from a 23. No matter how far you stand from a spherical

comes out of it ? O
convex lens, so that a parallel beam of light mirror, your image always appears erect. What

R is the kind of spherical mirror?

B
14. A small object is placed in front of a convex
lens, when a real, inverted and enlarged image
24. If the power of a lens is +5 dioptre, what is its
focal length?
L
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B. QUESTIONS FROM CBSE EXAMINATION PAPERS
1. Draw a ray diagram to show reflection of an mirror should an object be placed to obtain on
O
incident ray parallel to principal axis by a convex a screen an image twice the size of the object?
mirror.
G [2011 (T-II)]
2. What is the minimum distance between an object 7. Why does a ray of light bend when it travels
[2010]

and its real image in case of a concave mirror? from one medium into another? [2009]
[2011 (T-II)] 8. Draw the diagram given in question 9 in your
3. Why is the refractive index of atmosphere answer-book and complete it for the path of a
different at different altitudes? [2011 (T-II)] ray of light beyond the lens. [2009]
4. When a light ray passes obliquely through the 9. Take down this diagram into your answer-book
atmosphere in an upward direction, how does and complete the path of the ray. [2009]
its path generally change? [2011 (T-II)]
5. What are the two factors on which the lateral
displacement of an emergent ray from a glass
slab depends? [2011 (T-II)]
6. Between which two points related to a concave

3
10. Copy this figure in your answer book and show
the directions of light ray after reflection. [2008]
11. Draw the following diagram in your answer-
book and show the formation of image of the
object AB with the help of suitable rays. [2008]
12. Draw the following diagram in your answer-
book and show the formation of image with the
help of suitable rays. [2008]
II. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS–I
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A. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
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1. Give one use of each : (i) regular reflection
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(ii) irregular reflection.
2. State four characteristics of image formed in a
plane mirror.
O length of mirror and find nature of the mirror.
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3. Give any two uses of plane mirrors other than
looking glass.
B shallow? Explain.
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4. Convex mirror and a plane mirror form virtual
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images. How will you distinguish between the
two by looking at the images of an object?
O
5. State two uses of concave mirrors.
G
6. An object 1 cm high produces a real image 1.5 cm
high, when placed at a distance of 15 cm from
concave mirror. Calculate the position of image.
7. State two uses of convex mirrors.
8. The image of an object is formed on itself when
placed at a distance of 30 cm from concave
mirror. What is the focal length of concave
mirror?
9. State the characteristics of image formed, when
an object is between infinity and the centre of
curvature of a concave mirror.
10. Light coming from the bottom of a water tank
does not come out of the water. What should be
the minimum angle of incidence for the same?
4
13. The refractive index of diamond is 2.42. What
is the meaning of this statement in relation to
speed of light? [2008]
14. How does the frequency of a beam of ultraviolet
light change when it goes from air into glass?
[2001]
15. What is the focal length of a plane mirror? [2001]
16. When light undergoes refraction at the surface
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of separation of two media, what happens to its
A
wavelength? [2000]
SH
17. When light undergoes refraction, what happens
to its frequency? [2000]
A
18. How does the focal length of convex lens change
K
if monochromatic red light is used instead of
A
monochromatic blue light? [2000]
PR (2 Marks)
11. An object is placed at a distance of 25 cm from
the pole of a spherical mirror which forms a
real, inverted image on the same side of object
at 37.5 cm from the pole. Calculate the focal
12. Why does a tank filled with water appear
13. Why does a fisherman aim at the tail of a fish,
during spear fishing?
14. An object is placed anywhere between the pole
and infinity in case of a convex mirror. State
the characteristics of the image.
15. What name is given to linear distance between
the pole and principal focus of a spherical
mirror? If this distance is 25 cm, how far is the
centre of curvature from the pole of the spherical
mirror.
16. The velocity of light in air is 3× 108 ms–1 and
in diamond is 1.2 × 108 ms–1. Find the refractive
index of diamond.
17. State two factors which determine lateral
displacement of ray of light passing through a
rectangular glass slab.
18. Show the path of a ray of light through a
rectangular glass block, showing clearly the
lateral displacement of the ray of light.
19. The refractive index of flint glass is 1.60 and
that of water is 1.33 with respect to air. What is
the refractive index of flint glass with respect to
water?
20. Give two uses of convex lens.
21. Give two uses of concave lens.
22. State whether the following are positive or
negative when a convex lens forms real image :
(i) distance of object from lens (ii) distance of
image from lens.
23. State whether the following are positive or
negative when a concave lens forms a virtual
image:
(i) distance of image from lens
(ii) focal length of lens.
24. Light enters from air to water having refractive
index 4/3. What is the speed of light in water?
Speed of light in vacuum is 3 × 108 ms–1.
25. The focal length of the glasses of a short-sighted
person is 37.5 cm. Calculate the power of glasses
and their nature.

B. QUESTIONS FROM CBSE EXAMINATION PAPERS

1. How can you identify the three types of mirrors
N
10. Name the type of mirror used in a solar furnace.
without touching? [2011 (T-II)]
A
How is high temperature achieved by this
device?

SH
2. The refractive indices of alcohol and turpentine [2011 (T-II)]
oil with respect to air are 1.36 and 1.47 11. A convex lens of focal length 10 cm is placed
respectively. Find the refractive index of
turpentine oil with respect to alcohol. Which A
at a distance of 12 cm from a wall. Calculate

one of these will permit the light to travel faster? K

the distance from the lens where an object be
placed so as to form its distinct real image on
[2011 (T-II)] A
the wall. [2011 (T-II)]
3. Light enters from air to kerosene having
refractive index 1.47. What is the speed of light PR
12. One portion of a convex lens is covered as
shown. Will the lens produce a complete image
S
in kerosene? The speed of light in air is of the object? Describe in brief the

ER
3 ×108 m/s. [2011 (T-II)] characteristics of the image formed.
4. (a) What happens to a ray of light when it [2011 (T-II)]

TH
travels from one medium to another having
equal refractive index? [2011 (T-II)]

O
(b) State the cause of refraction of light.
R
5. Where should an object be placed in front of a
B
concave mirror of focal length 20 cm so as to

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obtain real image two times magnified? 13. State laws of refraction of light. [2011 (T-II)]

YA
[2011 (T-II)] 14. The given diagram shows an object O and its
6. An object 3 cm high is placed at a distance of image I. Copy the diagram on your answer book

O
9 cm from a concave mirror of focal length and draw suitable rays to locate the lens and its
focus. Name the type of lens in this case.
formed. G
18 cm. Calculate the position of the image
[2011 (T-II)] [2011 (T-II)]

7. Identify the nature of the mirror and mention

two characteristics of the image formed when
magnification (m) = + 6. [2011 (T-II)]
8. (a) We prefer a convex mirror as a rear view 15. For driving a car what type of mirror would you
mirror in vehicles.Why? prefer to see traffic at your back and why?
[2011 (T-II)]
(b) State a condition for no refraction of light
when light enters from one medium to 16. Complete the diagram in your answer book and
another. [2011 (T-II)] write the nature of the image formed.
[2011 (T-II)]
9. What is meant by Refractive Index? If the speed
of light in a medium is 2/3rd of the speed of
light in vacuum, find the refractive index of that
medium. [2011 (T-II)]
5
17. Two lenses of power –2.5D and + 1.5D are
placed in contact. Find the total power of the
combination of lenses. Calculate the focal length
of this combination. [2011 (T-II)]
18. Draw ray diagram to show the position and
nature of the image formed by a convex lens
when the object is placed : [2011 (T-II)]
(i) beyond 2F (ii) between F and 2F
19. (a) What should be the position of the object,
when a concave mirror is to be used :
[2011 (T-II)]
(i) as a shaving mirror, and (ii) in torches
producing parallel beam of light?
(b) A man standing in front of a mirror, finds
his image having a very small head and
legs of normal size. What type of mirrors
are used in designing such a mirror?
20. The power of a lens is –1.5D. Find the focal
length of the lens and state its nature.
[2011 (T-II)]
21. To get a real and inverted image of same size as
that of the object by a thin convex lens of focal
S
length 29 cm, where should the object be placed?
Draw ray diagram to show image formation in
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this case. [2011 (T-II)]
22. In an experiment with a rectangular glass slab,
TH
a student observed that a ray of light incident at
an angle of 60° with the normal on one face of
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the slab, after refraction, strikes the opposite
R
face of the slab before emerging out into air
B
making an angle of 42° with the normal. Draw
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a labelled diagram to show the path of this ray.
YA
What value would you assign to the angle of
refraction and angle of emergence? [2010]
O
23. In an experiment with a rectangular glass slab,
a student observed that a ray of light incident at
G
an angle of 50° with the normal on one face of
the slab, after refraction, strikes the opposite
face of the slab before emerging out into air
making an angle of 38° with the normal. Draw
a labelled diagram to show the path of this ray.
What value would you assign to the angle of
refraction and angle of emergence? [2010]
24. In an experiment with a rectangular glass slab,
a student observed that a ray of light incident at
an angle of 55° with the normal on one face of
the slab, after refraction strikes the opposite face
of the slab before emerging out into air making
an angle of 40° with the normal. Draw a labelled
diagram to show the path of this ray. What value
6
would you assign to the angle of refraction and
angle of emergence? [2010]
25. What is the minimum number of rays required
for locating the image formed by a concave
mirror for an object? Draw a ray diagram to
show the formation of a virtual image by a
concave mirror. [2009]
26. Explain with the help of a diagram, why a pencil
partly immersed in water appears to be bent at
the water surface. [2008]
27. Draw ray diagrams to repesent the nature,
position and relative size of the image formed
by a convex lens for the object placed : [2008]
N
(a) at 2F1.
A
(b) between F1 and the optical centre O of the
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lens.
28. Draw a ray diagram to show the (i) position and
A
(ii) nature of the image formed when an object
K
is placed between focus F and pole P of a
A
concave mirror. [2006]
PR
29. An object is placed at a distance of 12 cm in
front of a concave mirror. It forms a real image
four times larger than the object. Calculate the
distance of the image from the mirror. [2006]
30. With respect to air, the refractive index of ice is
1.31 and that of rock salt is 1.54. Calculate the
refractive index of rock salt with respect to ice.
[2005]
31. Light enters from air into glass plate which has
a refractive index of 1.50. Calculate the speed
of light in glass. The speed of light in air is
3 × 108 ms–1. [2005]
32. In what S.I. unit is power of lenses rated? A
convex lens has a focal length of 50 cm.
Calculate its power. [2005]
33. A convex lens has a focal length of 40 cm.
Calculate its power. [2005]
34. Draw ray diagram to show the passage of rays
of light through a rectangular glass slab, when
angle of incidence is (a) zero (b) a little less
than 90°. [2004]
35. Prove that for a concave mirror the radius of
curvature is twice its focal length. [2001]
36. A ray of light incident on an equilateral glass
prism shows minimum deviation of 30°.
Calculate the speed of light through the glass
prism. [2001]
III. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS–II
A. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1. Identify the device used as a spherical mirror or
lens in following cases, when the image formed
is virtual and erect in each case. [HOTS]
(a) Object is placed between device and its
focus, image formed is enlarged and
behind it.
(b) Object is placed between the focus and
device, image formed is enlarged and on
the same side as that of the object.
(c) Object is placed between infinity and device,
image formed is diminished and between
focus and optical centre on the same side as
that of the object.
(d) Object is placed between infinity and device,
image formed is diminished and between
pole and focus, behind it.
2. Why does a light ray incident on a rectangular
glass slab immersed in any medium emerge
parallel to itself ? Explain using a diagram.
S [HOTS]
ER
3. A pencil, when dipped in water in a glass tumbler
appears to be bent at the interface of air and
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water. Will the pencil appear to be bent to the
same extent, if instead of water we use liquids
like kerosene or turpentine? Support your answer
with reason. O [HOTS]
R
4. How is the refractive index of a medium related
B
to the speed of light? Obtain an expression for
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refractive index of a medium with respect to
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another in terms of speed of light in these two
media. [HOTS]
O
5. Refractive index of diamond with respect to
G
glass is 1.6 and absolute refractive index of glass
is 1.5. Find out the absolute refractive index of
diamond. [HOTS]
6. A convex lens of focal length 20 cm can produce
a magnified virtual as well as real image. Is this
a correct statement? If yes, where shall the object
be placed in each case for obtaining these
images? [HOTS]
7. Sudha finds out that the sharp image of the
window pane of her science laboratory is formed
at a distance of 15 cm from the lens. She now
tries to focus the building visible to her outside
the window instead of the window pane without
disturbing the lens. In which direction will she
7
(3 Marks)
move the screen to obtain a sharp image of the
building? What is the approximate focal length
of this lens? [HOTS]
8. How are power and focal length of a lens
related? You are provided with two lenses of
focal length 20 cm and 40 cm respectively.
Which lens will you use to obtain more
convergent light? [HOTS]
9. Under what condition in an arrangement of two
plane mirrors, incident ray and reflected ray will
N
always be parallel to each other, whatever may
A
be angle of incidence. Show the same with the
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help of diagram. [HOTS]
10. Draw a ray diagram showing the path of rays of
A
light when it enters with oblique incidence
K
(i) from air into water (ii) from water into air.
A [HOTS]
PR
11. State the sign convention of u, v and f for a
concave mirror when image is real.
12. State the sign convention of u, v and f for a
concave mirror, when it forms a virtual image.
13. State the sign conventions for u, v and f for a
convex mirror.
14. An object is placed in front of a convex mirror,
such that its virtual image is formed behind the
mirror. Draw a ray diagram for the formation of
image and state its characteristics.
15. A convex lens is used as burning glass. Show it
by drawing a neat diagram, stating clearly where
the image is formed. Is there any relation
between the distance from lens at which image
is formed and focal length of lens?
16. By drawing a neat diagram show how the image
of a small slide can be projected on large screen.
State two characteristics of the image.
17. You are required to obtain an erect image of an
object placed in front of a concave mirror. Draw
a ray diagram to show the formation of image
and state its characteristics.
18. A convex lens produces a real and inverted
image 2.5 times magnified at a distance of
25 cm from the lens. Calculate focal length of
the lens.
19. Two thin lenses of power + 2.5 D and –1.5 D
are placed in contact with each other.
 Calculate : (i) power of the combination,
(ii) focal length of the combination.
20. A convex lens of focal length 40 cm and a
concave lens of focal length 50 cm are placed
in contact with each other. Calculate : (i) the
power of the combination, (ii) focal length of
the combination.
21. You are required to obtain an inverted image of
an object placed in front of a concave mirror. If
the image is larger than the size of object, draw
B. QUESTIONS FROM CBSE EXAMINATION PAPERS
1
th
1. A real image,
5
the size of object is formed
at a distance of 18 cm from a mirror. What is
the nature of mirror? Calculate its focal length.
[2011 (T-II)]
2. A ray of light is incident obliquely on a glass
slab. Draw a ray - diagram showing the path of
the light ray. Clearly mark angle of incidence,
angle of refraction, angle of emergence and
S
lateral displacement of the ray. Give a formula
to find refractive index of glass slab in terms of
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angle of incidence and angle of refraction.
[2011 (T-II)]
TH
3. A point object is placed at a distance of 12 cm
from a convex lens on its principal axis. Its
O
image is formed on the other side of the lens at
R
a distance of 18 cm from the lens. Find the
Justify your answer. B
focal length of the lens. Is the image magnified?
[2011 (T-II)]
L angle of refraction in two transparent media;
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4. (a) Why does a ray of light passing through the
centre of curvature of a concave mirror after
reflection, is reflected back along the same
path? O (b) Light enters from air to diamond which has
G
(b) Why are convex mirrors commonly used as
rear-view mirrors in vehicles?
(c) A pencil partly immersed in water in a glass
tumbler appears to be displaced at the
interface of air and water. Name the
phenomenon of light responsible for it.
[2011 (T-II)]
5. (a) Which mirror do we use as a rear view
mirror in vehicles?
(b) Draw a ray diagram to illustrate the
formation of an image when an object is
placed any where in front of the mirror on
its Principal Axis. State the nature and
position of the image formed. [2011 (T-II)]
8
a ray diagram to show the formation of image
and state its characteristics.
22. A student places an object at a certain distance
C from a concave mirror, when he notices that
image is formed directly above the object. Draw
a ray diagram to show the formation of image
and state its characteristics.
23. An object is placed in front of a convex mirror,
such that its virtual image is formed behind the
mirror. Draw a ray diagram for the formation of
image and state its characteristics.
N
6. A convex lens of focal length 20 cm is placed
at a distance of 24 cm from the screen. How far
A
from the lens should an object be placed so as
SH
to form a real image on the screen? Also find
the nature and magnification produced by the
lens.
A [2011 (T-II)]
K
7. A needle placed 45 cm from a lens forms an
A
image on a screen placed 90 cm on the other
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side of the lens. Identify the type of lens.
Determine its focal length and the power. What
is the size of image if, needle is 5 cm in height?
[2011 (T-II)]
8. (a) Define absolute refractive index of a
medium.
(b) Light travels through glycerine at a speed
of 2.05 × 108 m/s. Find the refractive index
of glycerine. Given, speed of light in vaccum
= 3 × 108 m/s. [2011 (T-II)]
9. (a) For the same angle of incidence 45º, the
I and II is 20º and 30º respectively. Out of
I and II, which medium is optically denser
and why?
refractive index of 2.42. Calculate the speed
of light in diamond, if speed of light in air
is 3.00 × 108 ms–1. [2011 (T-II)]
10. (a) Define one dioptre.
(b) A doctor has prescribed a corrective lens
of power +1.5D. Find the focal length of
the lens.
Is the prescribed lens diverging or
converging? [2011 (T-II)]
11. (a) What is meant by magnification in the
context of image formation by mirror and
lenses?
(b) Power of a lens is + 5D. What is the focal
length and nature of the lens? [2011 (T-II)]
12. A convex lens forms a real image 4 times
magnified at a distance of 60 cm from the lens.
Calculate the focal length and the power of the
lens. [2011 (T-II)]
13. (a) Mention two properties of image formed by
a convex mirror.
(b) Draw a ray diagram for the formation of an
image, when the object is placed beyond C
in front of a concave mirror. [2011 (T-II)]
refracted ray bends away from the normal.
Which of the two media ‘P’ or ‘Q’ is
optically denser and why? [2011 (T-II)]
21. A student focussed the image of a candle flame
on a white screen by placing the flame at various
distances from a convex lens. He noted his
observation in the following table–
Distance of the flame Distance of the screen
from lens (cm) from lens (cm)

14. (a) We wish to obtain an erect image of an 60 20

object, using a concave mirror of focal 40 24
length 15 cm. What should be the range of 30 30
distance of the object from the mirror? 24 40
Draw a ray diagram to show the image 12N 70
formation in this case. A
Analyse the above table and answer the

SH
(b) Why does a ray of light bend when it following questions :
travels from one medium into another? (i) What is the focal length of convex lens?
[2011 (T-II)] A
15. An object is 2m away from a lens, which forms K
(ii) Which set of observation is incorrect and
why?
an erect image one-fourth the size of the object. A
PR
(iii) Draw the ray diagram to show the image
Determine the focal length of the lens. What formation for any correct set of observation.
type of lens is this? [2011 (T-II)] [2011 (T-II)]

S
16. A concave mirror produces three times enlarged 22. (a) Consider two pairs of medium pair A(1&2),

ER
real image of an object placed at 12 cm in front pair B(3&4). With the help of table, point
of it. Calculate the radius of curvature of the out in which medium light speeds up as it

TH
mirror. [2011 (T-II)] moves in pair A and in pair B respectively.
17. An object is placed at a distance 100 cm from Serial Number 1 2 3 4
O
a lens of power –4D. Find the position and
Medium Water Benzene Turpentine Alcohol
nature of image so formed.
R [2011 (T-II)]
Refractive Index 1.33 1.50 1.47 1.36
B
18. (a) The magnification produced by a mirror is
–1.5. What does it signify about the image (b) Find refractive index of benzene with respect
formed? L to water. [2011 (T-II)]

YA
(b) You are given two mirrors of equal size.
O
One is plane mirror and other is convex
mirror. How will you identify them without
G
touching their surface? [2011 (T-II)]
19. (a) What is meant by ‘Power’ of a lens?
(b) State its unit and define it.
(c) Which of the two lenses has a greater
power :
(i) a convex lens of focal length 5 cm?
(ii) a convex lens of focal length 50 cm?
Justify your answer. [2011 (T-II)]
20. (a) State the laws of refraction of light.
23. (a) State the relationship between focal length
and radius of curvature of a spherical mirror.
(b) Why is the refractive index of a medium
always greater than one?
(c) A lens has – 4D power. Is the lens concave
or convex? [2011 (T-II)]
24. (a) How many minimum rays are needed to
construct an image by a spherical mirror?
Justify your answer giving an example.
(b) What happens to the speed of light when it
undergoes refraction. (i) from rarer to
denser, (ii) from denser to rarer.
[2011 (T-II)]

(b) A transparent medium ‘P’ floats on another 25. Name the type of mirror used in the following
transparent medium ‘Q’. When a ray of light situations and support your answer with a reason.
travels obliquely from ‘P’ to ‘Q’, the (i) Mirror used for shaving,

9
 (ii) Mirror used by ENT doctors
(iii) Mirror used in the vehicles for viewing the
traffic approaching from behind.
[2011 (T-II)]
26.
(a) A ray of light is incident at an angle of 45º
at the interface of medium (1) and medium
(2) as shown in the above diagram. Redraw
this diagram in the answer book and
complete it. If the angle of refraction is 30º
find the refractive index of medium (2) with
respect to medium (1).
1
(Given that sin 45° = 2 and sin 30° = ½)
(b) If second medium is water in place of
medium (2) will the angle of refraction
increase or decrease? Why? (refractive index
of water = 4/3). [2011 (T-II)]
27. An object is placed at a distance of 20 cm from
the optical centre of a convex lens of focal length
30 cm. Find the distance of the image from the
S size of the image formed.
ER
lens. What will be the height of the image if the
object is 2 cm tall? [2010]
TH
28. An object is placed at a distance of 24 cm from
the optical centre of a convex lens of focal length
O
18 cm. Find the distance of the image from the
R
lens. What will be the height of the image if the
object is 3.0 cm tall?
B [2010]
29. For which position of the object does a convex
L
lens form a virtual and erect image? Explain
YA
with the help of a ray diagram. [2009]
O
30. A concave lens has focal length of 20 cm. At
what distance from the lens a 5 cm tall object
G
be placed so that it forms an image at 15 cm
from the lens? Also calculate the size of the
image formed. [2007]
31. An object 50 cm tall is placed on the principal
axis of a convex lens. Its 20 cm tall image is
formed on the screen placed at a distance of 10
cm from the lens. Calculate the focal length of
the lens. [2007]
32. A concave lens has a focal length of 15 cm. At
what distance should an object 10 cm long be
placed so that it forms an image of 10 cm from
the lens? Find the nature and size of the image
formed. [2007]
10
33. A concave lens has focal length of 20 cm. At
what distance from the lens a 5 cm tall object
be placed so that it forms an image at 15 cm
from the lens? Also calculate the size of the
image formed. [2007]
34. An object 15 cm in length is placed at a distance
of 10 cm in front of a convex mirror of focal
length 15 cm. Find the position, nature and size
of the image formed. [2007]
35. A convex mirror used on a bus has a focal length
of 200 cm. If a scooter is located at 400 cm
from this mirror, find the position, nature and
magnification of the image formed in the mirror.
[2007]
N
36. A 5.0 cm tall object is placed perpendicular to
A
the principal axis of a convex lens of focal length
SH
20 cm. The distance of the object from the lens
is 30 cm. By calculation determine (i) the
A
position and (ii) and size of the image formed.
K [2006]
A
37. An object 5 cm high is placed 20 cm in front of
PR
a concave mirror of focal length 15 cm. At what
distance from the mirror should a screen be
placed to obtain a sharp image? Calculate the
[2006]
38. An object 3.0 cm high is placed perpendicular
to the principal axis of a concave lens of focal
length 15.0 cm. The image is formed at a
distance of 10.0 cm from the lens. Calculate
(i) distance at which the object is placed and
(ii) size and nature of the image formed.
[2006]
39. A convex lens has a focal length of 25 cm.
Calculate the distance of the object from the
lens if the image is to be formed on the opposite
side of the lens at a distance of 75 cm from the
lens. What will be the nature of the image?
[2004]
40. (i) Draw a ray diagram to show passage of
two rays of light through a rectangular slab
of glass, when the angle of incidence is
zero in one case and a little less than 90° in
other case.
(ii) Prove that if a ray enters a rectangular glass
slab obliquely and emerges from the
opposite face, the emergent ray will be
parallel to the incident ray. [2004]
41. (i) State Snell's law of refraction of light.
(ii) A transparent medium A floats on another
transparent medium B. When a ray of light
 travels obliquely from A into B, the refracted
ray bends away from the normal. Which of
the two media A and B is optically denser
and why? [2004]
42. The radius of curvature of a convex mirror used
on a moving automobile is 2.0 m. A truck is
coming behind it at a constant distance of
3.5 m. Calculate (i) the position and (ii) the size
IV. LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
A. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1. Draw ray diagrams showing the image formation
by a convex mirror when an object is placed
(a) at infinity
(b) at finite distance from the mirror. [HOTS]
2. The image of a candle flame formed by a lens
is obtained on a screen placed on the other side
of the lens. If the image is three times the size
of the flame and the distance between lens and
image is 80 cm, at what distance should the
candle be placed from the lens? What is the
nature of the image at a distance of 80 cm and
the lens? S [HOTS]
ER
3. Size of image of an object by a mirror having
a focal length of 20 cm is observed to be reduced
TH
to 1/3rd of its size. At what distance the object
has been placed from the mirror? What is the
O
nature of the image and the mirror? [HOTS]
R
4. Define power of a lens. What is its unit? One
B
student uses a lens of focal length 50 cm and
L
another of –50 cm. What is the nature of the
YA
lens and its power used by each of them? [HOTS]
5. A student focussed the image of a candle flame
O
on a white screen using a convex lens. He noted
lens as under.G
down the position of the candle screen and the
[HOTS]
Position of candle = 12.0 cm
Position of convex lens = 50.0 cm
B. QUESTIONS FROM CBSE EXAMINATION PAPERS
1. (a) Define real image of an object.
(b) Name the mirror that
(i) can give real as well as virtual image of
an object.
(ii) will always give virtual image of same
size of an object.
(iii) will always give virtual and diminished
image of an object.
11
of image relative to the size of truck. What will
be nature of image? [2004]
43. A convex lens has a focal length of 30 cm.
Calculate at what distance should the object be
placed from the lens so that it forms an image
at 60 cm on the other side of the lens. Find the
magnification produced by the lens in this case.
[2001]
(5 Marks)
Position of the screen = 88.0 cm
N
(i) What is the focal length of the convex lens?
A
(ii) Where will the image be formed if he shifts
SH
the candle towards the lens at a position of
31.0 cm?
A
(iii) What will be the nature of the image formed
Kif he further shifts the candle towards the
A lens?
PR
(iv) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation
of the image in case (iii) as said above.
6. By drawing a neat diagram, show :
(a) Why does a stick immersed obliquely in
water appear bent and short?
(b) Why does a coin placed in a water tank
appear raised?
7. An object 2 cm high when placed in front of a
converging mirror produces a virtual image
3 cm high. If the object is placed at a distance
of 8 cm from the pole of the mirror, calculate :
(i) the position of the image, (ii) the focal length
of the converging mirror.
8. (i) State the lens formula and its magnification.
(ii) Using the lens formula, locate the position
of an image formed due to an object at
infinity by a convex lens of focal length f.
(iv) is used by a doctor in examining teeth.
(c) With the help of a ray diagram explain the use of
concave mirror as solar concentrators. [2011 (T-II)]
2. Name the type of mirror used in the
following :
(a) Solar furnace
(b) Side / rear - view mirror of a vehicle.
 Draw labelled ray diagrams to show the
formation of image in each of the above
two cases.
Which of these mirrors could also form a
magnified and virtual image of an object?
Illustrate with the help of a ray diagram.
[2011 (T-II)]
3. (a) Draw a ray diagram in each of the following
cases to show the position and nature of the
image formed when the object is placed :
(i) Between optical centre and principal
focus (F) of a convex lens.
(ii) Between F and 2F of a convex lens.
(iii) At 2F of a convex lens [2011 (T-II)]
(b) How will the nature and position of image
formed change in case (i) and (ii) in part
(a) of this question if the lens is replaced by
a concave lens? Draw the corresponding ray
diagram.
4. A thin converging lens forms a :
(a) Real magnified image
(b) Virtual magnified image of an object placed
in front of it.
S S.No. object distance (cm)
ER
(i) Write the positions of the objects in each
case.
TH
(ii) Draw labelled ray diagrams to show the
image formation in each case.
O
(iii) How will the following be affected on
R
cutting this lens into two halves along
the principal axis?
B size as the object?
L
(a) Focal length, (b) Intensity of the
image formed by half lens. [2011 (T-II)]
YA
5. (a) Define Principal focus of a spherical mirror.
O
(b) For what position of the object does a
G
concave mirror form a real, inverted and
diminished image of the object? Draw the
ray diagram.
(c) An object 4 cm high is placed at a distance
of 6 cm in front of a concave mirror of
focal length 12.0 cm. Find the position of
the image formed. [2011 (T-II)]
6. (a) Define optical centre of a spherical lens.
(b) You are given a convex lens of focal length
30 cm. Where would you place an object to
get a real, inverted and highly enlarged
image of the object? Draw a ray diagram
showing the image formation. [2011 (T-II)]
12
7. (a) A divergent lens has focal length of 20 cm.
At what distance should the object from the
lens be placed so that an image is formed
10 cm away from the lens? What is the
magnification produced by the lens?
(b) Draw a ray diagram to show the position
and nature of the image formed by a convex
lens when an object is placed between
optical centre and focus of the lens.
[2011 (T-II)]
8. (a) An object 5.6 cm in length is placed at
a distance of 20 cm in front of a convex
mirror of radius of curvature 36 cm.
N
Find the position of the image, its nature
A
and size.
SH
(b) Draw a ray diagram to show a virtual image
of ¼th the size of an object 4 cm high,
A
using a spherical mirror. Mark the position
of the object, image and focal length.
K [2011 (T-II)]
A
PR
9. (a) For the given data showing object distance
and focal length of three concave mirrors,
answer the following questions :
focal length (cm)
1 30 20
2 10 15
3 20 10
(i) Out of the three, in which case the
mirror will form the image having same
(ii) Which mirror is being used as a make-
up mirror?
(iii) Draw the ray diagrams for part (i) and
part (ii)
(b) No matter how far you stand from a mirror,
your image always appears erect and
diminished. Identify the type of mirror.
[2011 (T-II)]
10. Which lens can be used as a magnifying glass?
For which position of object does a convex lens
form
(a) a virtual and erect image?
(b) a real and inverted image of same size as
that of object?
Draw labelled ray diagrams to show the
formation of the required image in each of the
above two cases. [2011 (T-II)]
11. Draw a ray diagram in each of the following
cases to show the position and nature of image
formed when the object is placed:
(a) between pole and focus of a concave
mirror.
(b) betwen focus and centre of curvature of a
concave mirror.
(c) at the centre of curvature of a concave
mirror.
(d) between infinity and pole of a convex
mirror.
(e) at infinity from a convex mirror.
[2011 (T-II)]
12. (a) It is desired to obtain an erect image of an
object, using concave mirror of focal length
20 cm.
(i) What should be the range of distance of
object from the mirror?
(ii) Will the image be smaller or larger than
the object?
(iii) Draw ray diagrams to show the image
formation in this case.
S
(b) One half of a convex lens of focal length
ER
20 cm is covered with black paper.
(i) Will the lens produce a complete image
TH
of the object?
(ii) Show the formation of the image of an
O
object placed at 2F1 of such covered
R
lens with the help of a ray diagram.
B
(iii) What will happen to the intensity of the
L
image formed by a convex lens which
YA
is partly covered with black paper?
[2011 (T-II)]
O
13. A student focussed the image of a candle flame
G
on a white screen using a convex lens. He noted
down the position of the candle, screen and the
lens as under :
(a) Position of Candle = 12.6 cm
(b) Position of Convex Lens = 51.8 cm
(c) Position of Screen = 91.0 cm
(i) Calculate the focal length of the lens.
(ii) Where will the image be formed if he
shifts the candle towards the lens at a
position of 32.2 cm?
(iii) What will be the nature of the image
formed if he further shifts the candle
towards the lens?
13
(iv) Draw a ray diagram to show the
formation of the image in case (c) as
said above. [2011 (T-II)]
14. (a) State two characteristics which distinguish
between real and virtual images.
(b) The magnification produced by a mirror is
+1. What does this indicate?
(c) What is Lateral Displacement? State two
factors on which it depends. [2011 (T-II)]
15. Draw the ray diagram in each case to show the
position of image when object is kept :
(i) at the centre of curvature of a concave
N
mirror.
A
(ii) between the pole P and focus F of a concave
SH
mirror.
(iii) in front of a convex mirror.
A
(iv) at 2F of a convex lens.
K
(v) in front of a concave lens. [2007]
A
16. (a) State the relation between object distance,
PR
image distance and focal length of a
spherical mirror.
(b) A concave mirror of focal length 15 cm
forms an image of an object kept at a
distance of 10 cm from the mirror. Find the
position, nature and size of the image
formed by it.
(c) Draw a ray diagram to show the image
formed by a concave mirror when an object
is placed between pole and focus of the
mirror. [2006]
17. The radius of curvature of a convex mirror
used on a moving automobile is 2.0 m. A truck
is coming behind it at a constant distance of
3.5 m. Calculate : (i) the position, and (ii) the
size of image relative to the size of the truck.
What will be the nature of the image?
[2004]
18. Find the position, nature and size of the image
of an object 3 cm high placed at a distance of
9 cm from a concave mirror of focal length
18 cm. [2004]
19. Find the position, nature and size of image
formed by a convex lens of focal length 18 cm
of an object 3 cm high placed at a distance of
27 cm from it. Also draw a neat diagram.
[2004]
A. Experiments
1. Objective : To prepare the model of simple
(ii) Now turn the whole apparatus towards a
astronomical telescope.
Materials Required : A flat wooden strip or a
half metre scale, two convex lens, one of focal
length 20 cm and other of focal length 5 cm,
plasticine.
with the help of plasticine. Clean the
lens, if it gets dirty during fixing.
distant tree or a building. Hold the
convex lens of focal length 5 cm, at a
distance of 25 cm from the lens (O).
Looking through this lens, move it
slightly forward or backward, till you see
a clear, magnified image of the distant
building or tree. At this moment fix this
lens (E) with help of plasticine. Clean
N
the lens E if required.
A
Your simple astronomical telescope is

SH
ready for use.
2. Objective : To determine the
A factors which are responsible
K for lateral displacement of a
A ray of light on passing through

PR
a rectangular glass slab.
Procedure Materials required : A glass

S
(i) Place the wooden strip flat on the table.
slab, four sharp common

ER
pins, a white sheet of paper,
Near one of its end fix a convex lens of
a geometry box, and a
focal length 20 cm in upright position
wooden drawing board.

TH
O
R
B
L
YA
O
G

Glass slab lying flat on its base Glass slab on its edge

14
Procedure
For Figure 1 :
(i) Fix a white sheet of paper on the wooden
drawing board.
(ii) In the middle of the paper place the
rectangular glass slab as shown in figure 1
and mark its boundary. Remove the glass
slab.
(iii) Near one end of its boundary mark a
point B. At point B make angle of 40°,
with the help of a ptotractor. ∠ABN is
40°. Produce AB to F by a dotted line.
(iv) Fix two common pins on AB in an
upright position, such that the minimum
distance between them is 5 cm or more.
(vii) Remove the pins one by one and draw
circles around the pin points.
(viii) Draw the emergent ray and refracted ray.
(ix) From point D, draw a perpendicular to
the incident ray AF produced. AF is the
lateral displacement produced when the
angle of incidence is 40°. Measure and
record the lateral displacement.
(x) Repeat the experiment for angle of
incidence equal to 50° and 60°.
(xi) Tabulate :
(i) Thickness of the glass slab (d1)
(ii) Angle of incidence
N
(iii) Lateral displacement.
A
For Figure 2 :

SH
(v) Replace the glass slab on its boundary.
(i) Repeat the experiment as with figure 1,
Looking through the face opposite to the
but place the glass slab on its edge.
pins, locate their position.
A Measure the thickness of the glass slab
(vi) Fix two more common pins, such that all
K (d2) and record it along with angle of
the pins appear in the same straight line.
A incidence and lateral displacement FG.

PR
S
ER
TH
O
Conclusion : R
B
(i) Lateral displacement increases with the
L
increase in angle of incidence i.e.,

YA
Lateral displacement ∝ angle of
incidence, for the same thickness of the
O
glass slab.

G
(ii) Lateral displacement decreases with the
decrease in thickness of the glass slab for
the same angle of incidence, i.e.,
Lateral displacement ∝ the thickness of
2. The diagram above shows a dish TV aerial used
the glass slab.
to receive television signals from a
B. Quiz geostationary satellite. The signal detector is
fixed in front of the curved dish.
1. A person with weak sight looked in a spherical Answer the following questions:
mirror. He found his image is very much
(i) What is the purpose of the curved dish?
enlarged. He got that mirror fixed in his car as
rear view mirror. To his horror, he found that (ii) Is this dish convex, concave or flat in
images seen in the mirror are not only smaller, shape?
but inverted. Explain the mistake of the person (iii) Where should the signal detector be placed
in detail. to receive the strongest possible signal?
15
 (iv) What change would you expect in the
signal if a smaller dish was used?
3. The given diagram shows a car head light bulb,
which has two filaments. The filament B is at
the principal focus of the concave reflector.
Enlarge and copy the diagram and draw rays of
light from each filament. Show the rays in
different colours.
Why is this arrangement used in car head
lights? Ask automobile mechanic, if you do not
know.
4. Which mirror (convex, concave or plane) is used for following:
(i) Shaving mirror (i) Car head light mirror
(iii) Street light reflector N
(iv) Driving mirror
(v) Rear view mirror A
(vi) Dentist’s inspection mirror

SH
(vii) Make up mirror (viii) Reflecting telescope mirror
(ix) Reflecting periscope mirror
A
(x) Dish T.V. mirror

C. Charts K
1. Prepare a chart showing the formation of A as a simple microscope.

PR
images for concave mirror, when an object
D. Visit
travels from infinity to the pole of the mirror.
S
Write the characteristics of the image.
(i) Visit an optician and find out how he makes

ER
2. Prepare a chart showing the formation of lens of different powers by using a set of
images for convex lens, when an object travels lenses. Make a detailed note of your visit.

TH
from infinity to the optical centre of the lens.
Or
Write the characteristics of the image and one
Request the local optician to visit your school
O
or more possible uses in each case.
and explain how he uses set of lens to find the
R
3. Prepare a chart showing how (i) convex mirror
correct power of a lens required by a patient.
B
is used as rear view mirror and (ii) convex lens

L
YA
O
G

16